Freelancing is increasing in popularity, and many professionals are turning to this way of working to break out of the 9-5 cycle.

To celebrate National Freelancers day, we’ve chosen our top hacks for newbie freelancers:

You’re responsible for yourself and your work

As a freelancer, you can plan when you work and what assignments you take on. Whether you’re a night owl, or an early riser, create a working schedule that suits you, and take on the amount of work you know you can handle.

Have some savings

When you first start out, it would be wise to have some savings to fall back on while you’re finding your feet. Eventually, you will have built a great freelancing profile, and obtaining new projects will be easier.

Learn to negotiate

As a permanent employee, you might be stuck on a fixed salary, but freelancing allows you to set your pay. Learning some negotiation skills will help you agree a salary that reflects your level of experience, and increase it when appropriate.

Take advantage of the flexibility

One of the best things about freelancing is having a more flexible schedule. No more late night sessions; you can structure your time to suit your other commitments, so you don’t miss out on family gatherings, and can explore other interests.

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family

Like with any career change, you’ll need the support of your family and friends. Having a network of people to confide in, and get a boost if it ever gets hard, will keep you motivated to succeed.

Keep ahead of the game

The working world is competitive no matter what industry you’re in, and this is no different when it comes to freelancing. To make sure you stand out, keep up-to-date with current trends or advances in your field, so you can learn new techniques and are the go to freelancer.

Create a working environment that suits you

Freelancing gives you the freedom to work where you want. You could set up a home office, throw in a slide to the kitchen if you really want, just set up a space where you can be productive. If you don’t want to work alone, consider renting out a shared office space so you can be around other professionals.

To support National Freelancers Day, we have teamed up with IPSE for The IPSE Freelancer Awards. Click here for more information.